Eco Deck Composite Decking FAQs

Eco Deck FAQs cover composite decking installation, performance, warranty, and delivery. Serving Calgary, Alberta, and Western Canada, we help homeowners and contractors make informed decisions before ordering.

Contact sales@ecodeckcanada.com for assistance.

Where can I buy Eco Deck products?

Eco Deck products are available directly through our online store at EcoDeckCanada.com.

We operate as an online-first composite decking supplier based in Calgary, Alberta. Orders can be placed through our website, and our team is available to assist with product selection, estimates, and technical questions.

If you prefer to speak with us directly, you can:

Email: sales@ecodeckcanada.com
Phone: +1 (403) 431-2065

Pickup from our Calgary yard is available by scheduled appointment only.

Our online business model allows us to keep overhead low while providing competitive pricing on premium composite decking products.

Do you have a showroom?

Eco Deck operates as an online-first composite decking supplier and does not have a public showroom.

To help customers review colours and finishes at home, we offer 100% free sample boxes delivered directly to your door.

You can request a free sample box here: Request A Sample Box

After reviewing samples, customers who wish to view full board lengths may request an appointment at our private Calgary yard.

Please note:

The yard is not a public retail location
Visits are strictly by scheduled appointment
Samples are recommended before booking a visit

This streamlined model allows us to focus on product quality and competitive pricing while providing flexible viewing options when needed.

Does Eco Deck supply gate kits for its composite fencing range?

No, Eco Deck does not supply dedicated gate kits.

If you are installing composite fence boards, gate frames are typically constructed using steel, aluminum, or reinforced wood framing systems designed to support the weight of composite materials.

We recommend consulting a qualified contractor or fabricator to ensure proper structural support and long-term performance.

Please note: Eco Deck composite fencing is currently available in limited quantities while supplies last.

Will my composite deck fade?

No outdoor material is completely immune to sun exposure. All decking products — including wood and composite — will experience some natural colour adjustment over time due to UV rays and weather conditions.

However, modern capped (co-extruded) composite decking, such as Eco Deck Dual 360°, is engineered to be highly fade-resistant. The co-extrusion manufacturing process bonds a durable protective outer layer around the composite core. This protective cap helps shield the board from UV exposure, moisture, and surface staining — significantly reducing long-term fading compared to older uncapped composite products.

What to Expect

Initial Stabilization (First 3–6 Months)
A slight lightening or tone adjustment may occur during the first few months after installation. This is normal and part of the natural stabilization process.

Long-Term Colour Stability
After this initial period, the colour stabilizes and remains consistent for many years. Noticeable long-term fading is uncommon with properly manufactured capped composite decking.

How to Maintain Appearance

Routine light cleaning — such as rinsing with water and occasional mild soap — will help keep the surface free of dirt and debris and maintain a clean, uniform appearance.

For complete details on coverage and fade protection, please refer to our Warranty page.

Are products covered under warranty?

Yes. Eco Deck™ Dual 360° composite decking is backed by a 25-year limited warranty.

This warranty covers manufacturing defects under normal residential use and provides long-term confidence in the structural integrity and performance of the product.

Warranty coverage details, terms, and activation requirements are outlined in our full Warranty Policy. We recommend reviewing the warranty documentation prior to purchase.

You can view the complete warranty information here: Warranty

Where Is Eco Deck Dual 360 Composite Decking Manufactured?

Composite decking is a highly engineered material that requires specialized manufacturing equipment, controlled blending of raw materials, and advanced extrusion technology.

Eco Deck Dual 360 composite decking is produced in a state-of-the-art facility in China. However, it's important to note that not all composite decking from China meets the same quality standards.

The quality of composite decking depends largely on the materials used, the precision of the extrusion process, and the rigour of quality control during manufacturing. Premium boards use carefully balanced blends of wood fibre and HDPE, combined with advanced co-extrusion technology, to create a highly durable protective shell.

Eco Deck Dual 360 boards benefit from this modern manufacturing approach. Each board features a composite core made from recycled wood fibres and HDPE, surrounded by a full 360° outer shell designed for enhanced durability, colour stability, and resistance to moisture and staining—even in demanding climates like Alberta.

To learn more about how composite decking is made and why quality varies among products, read our comprehensive guide:

Not All Composite Decking Made in China Is the Same

Does composite decking get hot in the summer?

Like any outdoor surface exposed to direct sunlight — including wood, concrete, or stone — composite decking can become warm on hot summer days.

Modern capped (co-extruded) composite decking, such as Eco Deck™ Dual 360°, is designed to perform well in outdoor conditions. However, surface temperature is influenced by several factors, including:

Direct sun exposure
Air temperature
Colour choice
Surrounding airflow
Time of day

Darker colours naturally absorb more heat than lighter tones, while shaded areas remain significantly cooler.

If your deck will be installed in full sun, choosing a lighter colour and incorporating shade elements (such as pergolas or umbrellas) can help improve overall comfort during peak summer temperatures.

For maximum comfort in hot climates, we recommend selecting lighter colour options within the Dual 360° range.

Do I need to treat or seal composite decking?

No. Modern capped (co-extruded) composite decking, including Eco Deck™ Dual 360°, does not require sealing, staining, or painting.

The protective outer cap is engineered to resist moisture, surface staining, and UV exposure — eliminating the need for traditional wood deck treatments.

Routine maintenance is simple and typically includes:

Periodic rinsing with water
Occasional cleaning with mild soap to remove dirt or debris

Applying paints, stains, or sealants is not recommended, as these products are not designed for capped composite surfaces and may affect appearance or warranty coverage.

With proper installation and light routine cleaning, composite decking will maintain its appearance for many years without the ongoing maintenance required for natural wood.

What payment options do you accept?

Eco Deck™ offers several payment methods for your convenience.

E-Transfer

We accept Interac e-Transfer to:
sales@ecodeckcanada.com

Auto-deposit is enabled. If your bank has daily transfer limits, multiple transactions are acceptable.

Credit Card

We accept major credit cards.
A 2.4% processing fee applies to credit card payments to cover transaction costs.

Cash

Cash payments are accepted for scheduled pickup or delivery.

For delivery orders, a 30% deposit is required before scheduling. The remaining balance is due prior to or at delivery.

Full payment must be received before materials are released unless otherwise agreed in writing.

If you have questions regarding payment arrangements, please contact our team directly.

How do I clean composite decking?

Composite decking is designed to be low-maintenance and easy to clean.

Routine Cleaning

To maintain appearance:

Sweep away leaves, dirt, and debris regularly.
Wash the surface using warm water and a mild dish soap solution.
Gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush.
Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose and allow to air dry.

Regular cleaning helps prevent dirt buildup and keeps the surface looking uniform.

Using a Pressure Washer (If Necessary)

If additional cleaning is required, a pressure washer may be used with caution:

Maximum pressure: 1500 PSI
Use a fan-tip nozzle only.
Maintain at least 8–12 inches distance.
Spray in the direction of the board grain.
Do not use a pinpoint or turbo nozzle.e

Excessive pressure or improper technique may damage the surface.

What to Avoid

Harsh chemical cleaners
Solvents or abrasive products
Wire brushes
High-pressure pinpoint spray

For best results and to ensure warranty compliance, always refer to our Installation Guide and Warranty documentation.

How long does composite decking last?

Modern capped (co-extruded) composite decking is designed for long-term durability and performance.

Eco Deck Dual 360° composite decking is backed by a 25-year limited warranty, reflecting confidence in its structural integrity and manufacturing quality under normal residential use.

With proper installation and routine light maintenance, high-quality composite decking can provide decades of reliable performance. Unlike traditional wood, composite materials are engineered to resist rot, insect damage, and moisture-related deterioration.

Actual lifespan can vary depending on factors such as climate, installation quality, structural support, and ongoing care.

Compared to traditional wood decking, composite decking eliminates the need for staining, sealing, and ongoing structural repairs caused by moisture exposure.

For full warranty details, please refer to our Warranty page.

Installation & Calculation Of Material

Please reach us at sales@ecodeckcanada.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Does Eco Deck have an installation guide?

Yes. Eco Deck provides a comprehensive Installation & Maintenance Guide available online and as a downloadable PDF.

The guide includes step-by-step instructions covering:

Joist spacing requirements
Hidden fastening systems
Expansion gaps
Cutting recommendations
Routine maintenance

Following the Installation Guide helps ensure proper performance and protects your warranty coverage.

You can view the full guide here: Composite Decking Installation Guide

Can composite decking be cut and installed like wood?

Yes — composite decking can generally be cut and installed using standard woodworking tools.

Most projects can be completed using common tools such as:

A circular saw with a fine-tooth carbide-tipped blade
A drill or impact driver
Standard measuring and layout tools

However, composite decking does not behave exactly like natural wood. Proper spacing, fastening methods, and expansion allowances are important to ensure long-term performance.

For best results, we recommend following our detailed Installation Guide, which outlines:

Recommended blade types
Fastening systems
Joist spacing requirements
Expansion gaps

Using the correct installation practices helps ensure optimal performance and protects your warranty coverage.

How do I calculate how much composite decking I need?

Start by measuring the total deck area. For a simple rectangular deck, multiply the deck length by the deck width to calculate the square footage.

For example, a deck that is 16 ft long by 12 ft wide has an area of 192 sq ft.

If your deck has more than one section, angled areas, or multiple levels, divide the deck into smaller rectangular sections, calculate each section separately, and then add the square footage together.

You should also measure the total length of exposed edges where bullnose edge boards may be used. This may include outside deck edges, borders, or stair fronts.

Eco Deck provides an online deck cost calculator to help you get a quick starting price range based on your deck size, exposed edge length, and whether fascia boards are included.

The estimate includes deck boards, hidden fasteners, bullnose edge boards, starter fasteners for bullnose boards, and fascia if selected. It is intended as a planning guide only and is not a final material list.

Final quantities should always be confirmed by the homeowner, deck builder, or installer before ordering. Actual material requirements can vary depending on layout, cuts, stairs, picture framing, framing conditions, waste, and site details.

You can access the Eco Deck Composite Decking Cost Estimator here.

How Many Hidden Fastener Clips Do I Need?

The number of hidden fastener clips required depends mainly on your joist spacing and deck layout.

Simple rule: you need one hidden fastener clip each time a deck board crosses a joist.

For a 16 ft deck board:

16" on-centre joists: approximately 13 hidden fastener clips per board
12" on-centre joists: approximately 17 hidden fastener clips per board

Closer joist spacing requires more clips because each deck board crosses more framing members.

Eco Deck hidden fasteners are sold in boxes of 125 clips with screws. As a rough guide, one box covers approximately 80 sq ft at 16" on-centre joist spacing, or approximately 60 sq ft at 12" on-centre joist spacing.

Always confirm your actual joist spacing and final fastener requirements with the homeowner, deck builder, or installer before ordering.

For full installation details, please refer to our Composite Decking Installation Guide.

Do I need starter fasteners?

Yes. Starter fasteners are used when a standard hidden fastener cannot be installed through the side groove as usual.

They are commonly used for:

The first deck board
The last deck board
Bullnose edge boards
Stair tread installations
Some picture frame or border layouts, depending on the design

Starter fasteners allow boards to be secured discreetly while helping maintain a clean, fastener-free deck surface.

The number of starter fasteners required depends on the layout, joist spacing, bullnose length, stairs, and how the deck boards are finished at the edges. As a general guide, starter fasteners should be installed at each joist location where they are required.

Final quantities should always be confirmed by the homeowner, deck builder, or installer before ordering. For full installation details, please refer to our Composite Decking Installation Guide.

What blade should I use to cut composite material?

Composite decking can be cut using standard woodworking tools.

For best results, use a circular saw fitted with a 40–60 tooth carbide-tipped blade, preferably an alternate top bevel (ATB) finish blade.

Blade selection affects cut quality:

Fewer teeth cut faster but may leave a rougher edge.
More teeth produce a cleaner finish, but cut more slowly.

Avoid using excessively high tooth counts, as this may generate excess heat and increase the risk of burning or melting the material.

Always ensure blades are sharp and clean for smooth, accurate cuts.

For additional installation recommendations, please refer to our Installation Guide.

What joist spacing is required for composite decking?

For optimal performance, Eco Deck Dual 360° composite decking is recommended for installation over joists spaced 12 inches on centre.

The maximum allowable joist spacing is 16 inches on centre. Installing beyond 16 inches may affect structural performance and could void warranty coverage.

Using 12-inch spacing provides improved rigidity, reduced deflection, and a more solid feel underfoot — especially in high-traffic areas.

For complete installation requirements — including fastening methods, expansion gaps, and framing details — please refer to our Installation Guide before beginning your project.

Can I install composite decking myself?

Eco Deck Dual 360 composite deck boards can be cut and installed using standard woodworking tools. Our Installation & Maintenance Guide provides clear step-by-step instructions covering:

If you are comfortable working with standard carpentry tools and have experience building or modifying a deck frame, installing composite decking can be a manageable DIY project.

Eco Deck Dual 360 composite deck boards can be cut and installed using standard woodworking tools. Our Installation & Maintenance Guide provides clear step-by-step instructions covering:

Joist spacing requirements
Hidden fastening systems
Expansion gaps
Cutting recommendations
Finishing details

However, proper framing, accurate measurements, and correct spacing are essential for long-term performance and warranty compliance.

If you are unsure about structural framing or load requirements, we recommend consulting a qualified contractor.

You can access our Installation Guide here.

Can composite decking be installed directly on concrete or the ground?

No. Composite decking should not be installed directly on the ground or directly onto a concrete surface without proper structural framing.

Eco Deck Dual 360° decking must be installed over a suitable joist system that provides:

Proper structural support
Adequate airflow beneath the boards
Drainage to prevent moisture buildup

Installing boards directly on soil can trap moisture and compromise long-term performance.

Installing directly on solid concrete without framing may restrict airflow and affect expansion and drainage.

If you are building over a concrete slab, a properly spaced sleeper system or joist structure must be installed first.

For full installation requirements and framing guidance, please refer to our Installation Guide before beginning your project.

Will composite decking rot or attract insects?

Eco Deck Dual 360° composite decking is engineered to resist rot, decay, and insect damage.

Unlike traditional wood decking, composite boards do not contain exposed organic material that insects feed on. The wood fibres are encapsulated within a durable HDPE composite core and protected by a 360° co-extruded outer shell.

This construction significantly reduces the risk of:

Rot caused by prolonged moisture exposure
Termite or insect damage
Splitting or deterioration is commonly associated with untreated wood.

However, proper installation and adequate airflow beneath the deck are essential to maintain long-term performance.

When installed correctly and maintained with routine cleaning, composite decking provides a durable, low-maintenance alternative to traditional timber decking.

For full installation requirements, please refer to our Installation Guide.

Does composite decking expand and contract?

Yes. Like all composite materials, composite decking will expand and contract slightly with temperature changes.

This movement is normal and is accounted for in the design of Eco Deck Dual 360° boards.

Expansion and contraction occur primarily along the length of the board as temperatures rise and fall throughout the year. Proper installation — including correct gap spacing and fastening — allows for this natural movement.

Following the spacing guidelines outlined in our Installation Guide is essential to ensure long-term performance and warranty compliance.

When installed correctly, expansion and contraction will not affect the structural integrity or appearance of your deck.

For detailed spacing and installation requirements, please refer to our Installation Guide.

Is composite decking slippery when wet?

Composite decking can become slippery when wet — just like wood or any other outdoor surface. No decking material is completely slip-proof.

Eco Deck Dual 360° features a 3D, deep-embossed wood-grain texture that provides enhanced surface traction compared to smooth finishes. The textured surface improves grip under normal outdoor conditions while maintaining a natural wood-like appearance.

Products manufactured using similar composite technology have undergone slip resistance testing to recognized industry standards. However, surface traction can still be affected by:

Rain
Snow and ice
Frost
Dirt or debris buildup
Algae or organic growth

Regular cleaning and prompt removal of snow or debris will help maintain safer footing.

In Alberta’s winter conditions, additional care should always be taken when walking on any outdoor surface.

For full installation and maintenance guidance, please refer to our Installation Guide.

Shipping & Delivery FAQ: Rates, Coverage, and Policies

Please reach us at sales@ecodeckcanada.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

What's your standard delivery time?

Our standard delivery time is 3-4 business days.

If you need a product sooner, don't hesitate to contact Eco Deck. We will

do our best to make this happen.

Are there any delivery terms I should be aware of?

Yes, there are a few delivery terms that you should be aware of.

Please note that all deliveries will be made to your property's curbside. For a smooth delivery, we kindly ask that you clear sufficient space for the order to be dropped. To ensure the safety of your order, we recommend clearing a flat area large enough to accommodate the materials and 5/6 dunnage (scrap wood or similar) that is at least 2ft in length. This will help elevate the materials from the ground and protect them from potential damage caused by stones and the elements. Thank you for your cooperation.

If you require the material to be delivered beyond curbside, we can arrange that for you. However, please note that an additional fee may apply. To discuss this further, please get in touch with a member of the Eco Deck team.

If our delivery team has confirmed a large delivery with you on a specific date, please ensure someone is available to take delivery on that date. If no one is available, an additional delivery fee will be charged. Please note that the first delivery fee is non-refundable.

Thank you for choosing Eco Deck for your delivery needs.

Can I return my products If I've not used them?

We understand that sometimes a return may be necessary. We accept returns as long as they are in perfect, resalable condition and are received within 28 days of your order being delivered. You must notify us of your wish to return any goods within 14 days of receipt and then return the goods to us within a further 14 days.

Please contact our Customer Support team at sales@ecodeckcanada.com to initiate the return process and receive a returns form to attach to the returned goods.

Please note that a 20% restocking fee for all products will be deducted from the refunded amounts.

If you receive a damaged or incorrect product, please contact us within 24 hours, and we will provide a quick solution at no cost to you. Thank you for your cooperation.

Does Eco Deck Deliver?

Eco Deck provides affordable delivery within Calgary and up to 50km from our Calgary SE storage yard for a flat fee of $150. Your order will typically be delivered within 2–5 business days, and you will receive a confirmation email with estimated delivery details once your order is processed.

We offer delivery throughout Alberta, with rates based on your location and order size. To receive an exact quote, please contact our team with your delivery address and order details.

Delivery to other provinces, such as British Columbia and Saskatchewan, may be available depending on your project requirements and freight logistics. Delivery charges outside Alberta vary widely and are quoted individually. Please reach out to us for more information or a personalized quote.